Gusseted package with impact barrier

Abstract

A package having a gusseted panel portion is depicted and described. The package generally includes opposing panel portions that at least partially define an interior cavity or compartment therebetween that is accessible through an access device. The gusseted panel portion provides a material impact barrier within the interior cavity or compartment of the package to assist in protecting the access device from the impact or load of material contents within the package.

Description

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 034,582, filed Mar. 7, 2008, which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to flexible packaging and, more particularly, to packages, and methods for forming and using packages, having a gusseted portion to provide an internal material impact barrier to protect portions and devices in packages adapted to hold or carry relatively large or heavy material contents.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Flexible packages used for items like pet food and lawn and garden products are generally large in size, and hold and carry relatively large contents. These types of products and packages can be used over and over again. As such, top seals or closure devices, such as zippers and other re-closeable devices and methods, in the packages must be protected and remain functional to ensure this continued use....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]By forming the gusseted portion in the package, a flexible material is provided proximate the re-closeable device, such as a zipper, that provides an alternate impact region for the contents of the material. This impact region can protect the re-closeable device from the potentially damaging energy and shifting of the material contents of the package during shipping, handling, and use. Because the gusset is taking the vast majority of the impact energy or load, nearly any zipper or other re-closeable device can be employed. Namely, there is no need for zippers made of increased thickness or material strength because the zippers, or other devices, are no longer required to take the damaging impact and pressure of the material contents.

Problems solved by technology

Flexible packages used for items like pet food and lawn and garden products are generally large in size, and hold and carry relatively large contents.

This presents an inherent problem because the heavier material contents can damage those critical package features.

Also, because side gusseted packages can be difficult to open, and easy opening is a feature the consumers expect, most slider zippers being used are exposed at the top of the package.

However, these methods utilize the zipper device materials to increase protection, which in turn can increase formation, material and labor costs.

Further, additional membranes or device materials must be made strong enough to handle the shock loading, which in turn makes it more difficult for the consumer to gain access to the package openings.

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